Registration 2014
Club membership for 2014 is now due and all club members are asked to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. We will be having a number of open registration sessions throughout March to facilitate members. The first session takes place this Thursday, 6th March from 7.30pm to 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Membership can also be paid to Mary Matthews at Shannon's Corner.

A few points to note.

In order to be entitled to the rights of a full member, a person must have their fees paid to the club on a date before March 31st and be registered by the club on the online system in order to have a vote in the upcoming membership year.

Only fully registered players on the GAA online registration system are allowed to take the field for the club. If your name is not in this system you are ineligible. That has repercussions in terms of insurance cover for injuries.

Registration is an important component in meeting the running costs of the club.

Paid up members will receive preference for tickets to Donegal's championship matches

Only fully paid up members will be eligible for the annual draw for tickets to the football and hurling All Ireland finals.

Club membership will be displayed in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

Membership rates are as follows: Adult, €40; Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €60; Youth (Born 1996-2003 inclusive): €25; Youth (Born 2004-2014 inclusive): €15. This year we also have family packages which are priced as follows: Two adults and all children under 18: €120; One adult and all children under 18: €100 The club requires a registration form with each fee. Registration forms can be downloaded from aodhruadh.org.

Club hoodies
Following a poll on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page we have settled on a design and supplier for a club hoodie.
Youth sizes are priced €22, with sizes available including: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Adult sizes are priced €26, with sizes available including: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and XXL. We have sizing samples available for anyone who wishes to try them on. We will have the samples at the registration session this Thursday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 7.30pm to 9pm. We will also be taking orders at this session. It will be full payment up front to secure your hoodie. For further information e-mail info@aodhruadh.org.

Football
Aodh Ruadh minors geared up for the commencement of their league campaign with a challenge against Four Masters in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday afternoon. It was a win and a good work out for the lads with the a trip to the Dungloe / Na Rossa combination nearing. Aodh Ruadh will be travelling to Dungloe to open their league programme next Sunday, 9th March with throw-in penciled in for 12 noon. We have some shots from the challenge with Four Masters up on aodhruadh.org.

The under 14s are due to go into league action on Sunday 9th March when they host Dungloe in the park at 12 noon. As they gear up for the season the under 14 management invites anyone interested in joining the squad to come along, new players will always be made welcome.

Indoor training is back for all grades this Friday 7th March. The under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the Mercy Hall. The under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Ladies
The club extends sincere sympathy to Grace Meade and her family on their recent sad bereavement.

Aodh Ruadh Ladies Committee are hosting the quiz in Owen Roe's this Thursday night, 6th March at 9.30pm. We are looking forward to a big turn out on the night from everyone involved in the game. If you are a player and are eligible to be there, or if your daughter, niece or granddaughter enjoys the facilities and the football of Aodh Ruadh Peil na mBan, please support our first fund-raiser of 2014. If you can't make it please put your name on one of our Quiz Night Cards for €5 and you will be included in our raffle on the night. Questions by the one and only Quiz Master - Mr. Sylvester Maguire.

A FUNdamentals Coaching Course is being held on Saturday 29th March from 10am to 4pm with venue to be confirmed. The Ladies County Board has stipulated that for 2014 all team managers, coaches and mentors must have this course completed. A number of people have already indicated their intention to do this course. Please contact Willie Scott, Ladies Club Secretary on 0879538516 as soon as possible if you wish to do this course. Aodh Ruadh is applying to the County Board to be the venue for the course.

A number of our under 14 team went to the first trial for the county team last Saturday. If any player still wishes to trial there is another chance this Saturday at 9.45am at the Centre of Excellence in Convoy. Please contact Eoin O'Moore, Ladies Club Chairman if you wish to attend.

The Club Development Training for minors, under 16s and under 14s continues every Sunday morning at 11 am in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Senior Ladies training is at 7.00pm on Tuesday evenings. Further details next week on training for under 8s, 10s and 12s.

Congratulations to Naimh Gallagher and Peadar McKeever as Aontroim on their very recent engagement and best wishes for the future!

Hurling
An amended programme of games for the Ulster Hurling Táin League has been released. Aodh Ruadh senior's division three league schedule is now looking like this. All the games are at Garvaghey unless otherwise stated.

Underage hurling made a welcome return to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday last, despite the inclement weather it was very encouraging to have 70 young hurlers out learning the skills of our ancient game. It was great to see so many beginners at under 8 and under 10 coming out on Sunday. Training continues for all age groups this Sunday at 12 noon all welcome.

The eighth annual Hurl-a-thon takes place on Saturday 5th April from 10am to 10pm. in the Mercy Hall, Ballyshannon. The underage hurlers are out looking for sponsorship at the moment, please support them in their efforts to raise funds for the promotion and development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh.

Scór sinsear success
Congratulations to our Trath na gCeist team of PJ Buggy, Peter Campbell, Sylvester Maguire and Paddy Kelly who edged out Fanad Gaels by a single point to be crowned county champions last Friday evening in Glenswilly.

Coaching Initiative
To mark the 60th Anniversary of the opening of the Father Tierney Park in 1954 the Park/Development Committee has launched a substantial Youth Coaching Initiative. All six primary schools in the club area, Scoil Catriona NS, Gaelscoil Éirne, Rockfield National School, Creevy National School, Kilbarron National School and Holy Family National School have been rostered to receive coaching hours from club coaches. The coaches who are bringing this forward are Teddy Kane, Val Murray, Brian Roper and Peter Horan.
Gaelic Football for boys and girls and hurling for boys with the opportunity for girls to participate are all being coached. The Coaching Programme fits within Aodh Ruadh's wider Community Development work where the club is currently responsible for the placement of around 30 people in the locality on employment initiatives.

We will have the video of Steven Poacher's workshop on small sided games available online later in the week. E-mail info@aodhruadh.org for the link.

Pitch Bookings
With training and playing activity escalating it is absolutely vital that bookings are made in advance with Peter Conlon and that cancellations are also notified to him. Due to pressure on the pitches those planning to organise tournaments should notify a provisional date to Peter Conlon immediately. Dates will then be allocated from April onwards for the hosting of tournaments taking account of Aodh Ruadh club home fixtures. No tournament should be committed until a date is allocated by Peter Conlon.

Development Work
Upgrading work at the Father Tierney Park is progressing apace. It is expected that the new score board/message board, which will include a count-up clock and hooter system, will be installed next week.

Donegal V Louth
A full match programme will be prepared for this game. Those wishing to place an advert should make direct contact with the Park/Development Committee PRO Michael Daly on 086-9171949 or michael.daly@donegaldemocrat.com.

Recreational Football
Recreational football resumes this Saturday at 7pm under the lights at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and once again the emphasis is very much on the craic. It's excellent value at just €5 for the session. Text or call Alan on 0868052816 if you need any further information.

Aodh Ruadh Bingo
The €800 monster jackpot was divided four ways at last week's monster bingo, while our game winners included Helen Coughlin, JJ McGarrigle and Marie Granaghan. Bingo returns to the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. Full books €10, Half books €5.

Registration 2014
Club membership for 2014 is now due and all club members are asked to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. We will be having a number of open registration sessions throughout March to facilitate members. The first session takes place this Thursday, 13th March from 8pm to 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Membership can also be paid to Mary Matthews at Shannon's Corner.
Membership rates are as follows: Adult, €40; Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €60; Youth (Born 1996-2003 inclusive): €25; Youth (Born 2004-2014 inclusive): €15. This year we also have family packages which are priced as follows: Two adults and all children under 18: €120; One adult and all children under 18: €100 The club requires a registration form with each fee. Registration forms can be downloaded from aodhruadh.org.

Club hoodies
We will once again have our hoodie samples at the registration session this Thursday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 8pm to 9pm and taking orders at this session. It will be full payment up front to secure your hoodie. Youth sizes are priced €22, with sizes available including: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Adult sizes are priced €26, with sizes available including: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and XXL. For further information e-mail info@aodhruadh.org.

Football
The seniors had a run out against Erne Gaels on Saturday afternoon. A decent showing against a strong Belleek outfit once we found our feet in the second half. We have a few shots from the meeting up on aodhruadh.org. In other news the senior and reserve league programme has been released. Aodh Ruadh's schedule looks like this.

The minors became the first Aodh Ruadh side to kick ball in anger in season 2014 last Sunday when they travelled to Dungloe to take on the Dungloe / Na Rossa combination. Niall Harley was carrying a knock coming into the game, so in his absence Oisín Roper partnered Oisín Rooney lár n páirce. The pair gave Ballyshannon a great platform as they dominated the first half to go in leading on a scoreline of 0-6 to 0-1. Aodh Ruadh continued where they left off in the second, hitting the first two points of the half. However, the Rosses men weren't going to go without their spell of domination in the game and duly clawed their way back into the tie. However when Oisín Roper drove home the goal to put the Ernesiders four points ahead with time running out it looked like the points would be coming back to Ballyshannon. Dungloe / Na Rossa kept the pressure up though and hit a point and then a goal with pretty much the last kick of the game to earn a share of the spoils, the match finishing 1-8 apiece. Oisín Roper had an excellent game, aside from his scoring exploits, as did his partner Oisín Rooney. Philip Patton's eye was in and the Rosses outfit struggled to keep tabs on him. The back six were outstanding and the half back line of Calum O'Halloran, Colm Kelly and Jack Darbon and the full back line of Jack Darbon, Eugene Drummond and Daniel Warnock, all deserve special mention. Aodh Ruadh will be on the road once again for their next game, this time just as far as Gaelic Park where they'll be taking on Bundoran on Sunday, 23rd March. Throw-in should be 12 noon. Well done to Niall Harley and Colm Kelly who featured in convincing wins over last year's Ulster minor champions at the weekend, Monaghan. Harley was in his usual midfield berth as Donegal swept past the Oriel outfit on a score line of 3-10 to 0-7, while Kelly featured at centre half back on the provisional squad which won 4-12 to 1-4.

The under 14s should finally, finally, finally play their first game of the season this Sunday 16th March when they travel to Donegal town to take on Four Masters. Throw in is12 noon for that one.

Indoor training continues this Friday 14th March. The under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the Mercy Hall. The under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Hurling
Underage hurling training continues in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for all grades this Sunday at 12 noon. All new comers are most welcome as we start honing our skills for the coming season.

The eighth annual Hurl-a-thon takes place on Saturday 5th April from 10am to 10pm. in the Mercy Hall, Ballyshannon. The underage hurlers are out looking for sponsorship at the moment, please support them in their efforts to raise funds for the promotion and development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh.

Donegal are playing Derry this Sunday in the opening game of the Ulster minor league. There will be a large Aodh Ruadh contingent in the panel with captain Eddie Lynch will be leading the county out on this proud day for the club.

Ladies
The Ladies Committee say thanks to those who supported our Quiz Night in Owen Roe's last week, to Owen Roe and O'Neill's Leisurewear for sponsoring prizes and to Sylvester Maguire for doing quiz master.

The fixtures are now available for the forthcoming season. Please contact your team manager for further information. Training continues for all age groups from under 14 upwards. Training for under 8s, under 10s and under 12s will begin on Monday 31st March at 6.00pm. Please note this will be outdoors. Further details will follow. Players eligible for under 8s are those born in 2006 and 2007 only; for under 10s it is those born in 2004 and 2005 and for under 12s it is those born in 2003 and 2004.

County Development Officer, Donal Sharkey is co-ordinating the coaching courses this year. A FUNdamentals Course will take place on Saturday 29th March from 10am to 4pm, with a fee of €25 per person. Anybody over 16 years of age qualifies to do the course. Please note coaching qualifications for the male code do not qualify you to coach Ladies Football. The venue for the course will be confirmed shortly. Please contact Willie Scott on 0879538516 if you wish to do the course.

Pitch Bookings
With training and playing activity escalating it is absolutely vital that bookings are made in advance with Peter Conlon and that cancellations are also notified to him. Due to pressure on the pitches those planning to organise tournaments should notify a provisional date to Peter Conlon immediately. Dates will then be allocated from April onwards for the hosting of tournaments taking account of Aodh Ruadh club home fixtures. No tournament should be committed until a date is allocated by Peter Conlon.

Donegal V Louth
A full match programme will be prepared for this game. Those wishing to place an advert should make direct contact with the Park/Development Committee PRO Michael Daly on 086-9171949 or michael.daly@donegaldemocrat.com.

Give your club an hour
As a new season throws in and membership is being renewed we would like to take this opportunity to ask all members to get involved and take part in the club and its various activities such as lotto, bingo and so on. Members are being asked to sign up and give an hour to the club. At registration there will be an opportunity for all interested to sign up and you can let us know if there is any particular activity you are interested in helping out with.

Recreational Football
Recreational football continues this Saturday at 7pm under the lights at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and once again the emphasis is very much on the craic. It's excellent value at just €5 for the session. Text or call Alan on 0868052816 if you need any further information.

Aodh Ruadh Bingo
The winner of the €400 jackpot at last Friday's bingo in was Kathleen Flanagan. Bingo in the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. Full books €10, Half books €5. We can always do with extra hands to help out with running the bingo. It is a heavy burden on the few people currently involved, so if you can help lighten the load even once in a while it would be a major help. Please contact David McLoone on 087-760172 if you can help out.

3 March 2014

Ladies
The club extends sincere sympathy to Grace Meade and her family on their recent sad bereavement.

Aodh Ruadh Ladies Committee are hosting the quiz in Owen Roe's this Thursday night, 6th March at 9.30pm. We are looking forward to a big turn out on the night from everyone involved in the game. If you are a player and are eligible to be there, or if your daughter, niece or granddaughter enjoys the facilities and the football of Aodh Ruadh Peil na mBan, please support our first fund-raiser of 2014. If you can't make it please put your name on one of our Quiz Night Cards for €5 and you will be included in our raffle on the night. Questions by the one and only Quiz Master - Mr. Sylvester Maguire.

A FUNdamentals Coaching Course is being held on Saturday 29th March from 10am to 4pm with venue to be confirmed. The Ladies County Board has stipulated that for 2014 all team managers, coaches and mentors must have this course completed. A number of people have already indicated their intention to do this course. Please contact Willie Scott, Ladies Club Secretary on 0879538516 as soon as possible if you wish to do this course. Aodh Ruadh is applying to the County Board to be the venue for the course.

A number of our under 14 team went to the first trial for the county team last Saturday. If any player still wishes to trial there is another chance this Saturday at 9.45am at the Centre of Excellence in Convoy. Please contact Eoin O'Moore, Ladies Club Chairman if you wish to attend.

The Club Development Training for minors, under 16s and under 14s continues every Sunday morning at 11 am in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Senior Ladies training is at 7.00pm on Tuesday evenings. Further details next week on training for under 8s, 10s and 12s.

Congratulations to Naimh Gallagher and Peadar McKeever as Aontroim on their very recent engagement and best wishes for the future!

12 March 2014

Click for larger version.

Aodh Ruadh @ Ballyshannon St Patrick's Day Parade 2014
Once again Aodh Ruadh are taking part in the annual St Patrick's day parade. Under 8, 10 and 12 hurlers and boys footballers to assemble at the Gaelscoil for 1.40pm. Girls footballers can also join in with the boys. All players will be supplied with jerseys, but by all means wear something festive too! Marchers to be collected immediately after the parade in the Market Yard. Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!

IMPORTANT: Registration sessions this week
Club membership for 2014 is now due and all club members are asked to register for the season at their earliest convenience. We will be having a number of open registration sessions throughout March to facilitate members. Our next sessions takes place this Thursday, 20th March from 8pm to 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh, followed by an extended session this Saturday coinciding with our league games against Buncrana. Members will be able to register between 3.30pm and 5.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Membership can also be paid at any time to Mary Matthews at Shannon's Corner.
Membership rates are as follows: Adult, €40; Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €60; Youth (Born 1996-2003 inclusive): €25; Youth (Born 2004-2014 inclusive): €15. This year we also have family packages which are priced as follows: Two adults and all children under 18: €120; One adult and all children under 18: €100 The club requires a registration form with each fee. Registration forms can be downloaded from aodhruadh.org.

Club hoodies
We will once again have our hoodie samples at the registration sessions this Thursday and Saturday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh and will be taking orders at these sessions. It will be full payment up front to secure your hoodie. Youth sizes are priced €22, with sizes available including: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Adult sizes are priced €26, with sizes available including: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and XXL. For further information e-mail info@aodhruadh.org.

Give your club an hour
As a new season throws in and membership is being renewed we would like to take this opportunity to ask all members to get involved and take part in the club and its various activities such as lotto, bingo and so on. Members are being asked to sign up and give an hour to the club. At registration there will be an opportunity for all interested to sign up and you can let us know if there is any particular activity you are interested in helping out with.

Football
Aodh Ruadh seniors and reserves host Buncrana this Saturday as the All-county leagues throw-in this weekend. We're still waiting for final confirmation of throw in times, but they will be in the region of 4pm / 5.30pm.

Aodh Ruadh's minors will be on the road once again for their next league assignment, this time just as far as Gaelic Park where they'll be taking on Bundoran on Sunday, 23rd March. Throw-in should be 12 noon.

The under 14s went down against Four Masters on a scoreline of 3-12 to 2-6 in their first game of the season. Four Masters got off to a good start hitting a goal and two points before Aodh Ruadh got off the mark with a point from Michael McKenna. The sides went tit for tat until half time when the homesters went in leading by 2-5 to 1-2. The second half saw Four Masters once again getting the better of it, getting a penalty to flesh out their scoring, with the Aodh Ruadh lads delivering an uncharacteristically below par performance. Best for Ballyshannon on the day was Pauric Keenaghan who was outstanding at centre half back, while Senan Rooney, introduced into the defence five minutes before half time, made a huge impact. Dylan Gallagher made a good contribution up front and finished with four points to his credit. Odhran Kennedy fired over a brilliant long range point and Shane Gillespie got a cracker of goal, while Michael McKenna was busy throughout and registered 1-1. The senior match was followed by a ten-a-side development game. That saw the Ballyshannon lads performing very well with Jack McCaffrey, Mark Gettins, Cian Barden and Joe Donagher in particular catching the eye. The under 14s will be out again this Saturday 22nd March when they host Killybegs in the park. Throw at 12 noon.

Indoor training concludes this Friday 21st March. The under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the Mercy Hall. The under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall.

Hurling
Aodh Ruadh had the largest representation on the starting 15 for the Donegal minor Hurling team as they started their campaign in division one of the Ulster Minor League against Derry in Banagher on Saturday last. Donegal put in a very spirited performance against a strong Derry team losing 3-13 to 1-12. Captain, Eddie Lynch hit two points, with Eugene Drummond, Ciaran Rami, Oisín Rooney with three points and Donal Sweeny starting for Donegal, Oisín Roper came on in the second half. Brendan Gillespie was also on the match day squad. It's a great experience for the lads to be hurling at this level the campaign continues this Saturday with a game against Down in Letterkenny.

We've had great numbers so far this season for our underage training which continues this Sunday as normal at 12 noon all are welcome especially beginners come along and have lots of fun learning the skills of our ancient game.

The eighth annual Hurl-A-Thon takes place on Saturday 5th April from 10am to 10pm in the Mercy Hall. Please support the lads with their efforts for this fun event.

Ladies
Training continues for all age groups from under 14 upwards. Training for under 8s, under 10s and under 12s will begin on Monday 31st March at 6.00pm. Please note this will be outdoors. Further details will follow. Players eligible for under 8s are those born in 2006 and 2007 only; for under 10s it is those born in 2004 and 2005 and for under 12s it is those born in 2003 and 2004.

County Development Officer, Donal Sharkey is co-ordinating the coaching courses this year. A FUNdamentals Course will take place on Saturday 29th March from 10am to 4pm, with a fee of €25 per person. Anybody over 16 years of age qualifies to do the course. Please note coaching qualifications for the male code do not qualify you to coach Ladies Football. The venue for the course will be confirmed shortly. Please contact Willie Scott on 0879538516 if you wish to do the course.

Saint Patrick's Parade
Well done to our young footballers and hurlers who came out in large numbers for the annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade. We will have great gallery of shots from the festivities up later in the week. Keep an eye Aodh Ruadh CLG on Facebook for notifications.

Donegal V Louth
A full match programme will be prepared for this game. Those wishing to place an advert should make direct contact with the Park/Development Committee PRO Michael Daly on 086-9171949 or michael.daly@donegaldemocrat.com.

Recreational Football
Recreational football continues this Saturday at 7pm under the lights at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and once again the emphasis is very much on the craic. It's excellent value at just €5 for the session. Text or call Alan on 0868052816 if you need any further information.

Aodh Ruadh Bingo
The winner of the €400 jackpot at last Friday's bingo in was Kathleen Burns of Cliffony. Bingo in the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. Full books €10, Half books €5.

IMPORTANT: FINAL WEEK FOR REGISTRATION
Club membership for 2014 is now due and all club members are asked to register for the season at their earliest convenience. We will be having a number of open registration sessions throughout the coming week to facilitate members. Our next sessions takes place this Thursday, 27th March from 8pm to 9pm, Friday from 7pm to 9pm and Saturday from 1pm to 3pm. All those sessions take place upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Membership can also be paid at any time to Mary Matthews at Shannon's Corner. Players must note that anyone registered after the March 31st deadline is subject to a five day moratorium from the point membership is paid, meaning they will be unable to play in that period. Therefore it is absolutely essential that ALL PLAYERS in ALL CODES and ALL GRADES have their registration paid this week!!!
Membership rates are as follows: Adult, €40; Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €60; Youth (Born 1996-2003 inclusive): €25; Youth (Born 2004-2014 inclusive): €15. This year we also have family packages which are priced as follows: Two adults and all children under 18: €120; One adult and all children under 18: €100 The club requires a registration form with each fee. Registration forms can be downloaded from aodhruadh.org.

Club hoodies
We will once again have our hoodie samples at the registration sessions this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh and will be taking orders at these sessions. It will be full payment up front to secure your hoodie. Youth sizes are priced €22, with sizes available including: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Adult sizes are priced €26, with sizes available including: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and XXL. See the aodhruadh.org homepage for a visual mock-up of the hoodie. For further information e-mail info@aodhruadh.org.

Give your club an hour
As a new season throws in and membership is being renewed we would like to take this opportunity to ask all members to get involved and take part in the club and its various activities such as lotto, bingo and so on. Members are being asked to sign up and give an hour to the club. At registration there will be an opportunity for all interested to sign up and you can let us know if there is any particular activity you are interested in helping out with.

Monthly club meeting
The monthly club meeting will take place on Thursday, 27th March in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 9pm. All members of the club executive are asked to attend.

Leitrim under 21s reach Connacht final
Congratulations to Shane Ward, Greg Sweeney and Benjy Drummond on steering 33/1 outsiders Leitrim under 21s to their first championship win since 1998, against reigning All-Ireland champions Galway, no less. Leitrim turned around a 0-3 to 0-6 half time deficit to run out 0-9 to 0-8 winners and now face Roscommon in the Connacht final in Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday 5th April.

Football
Aodh Ruadh got their division three campaign off to the perfect start with a 1-11 to 0-12 win over Buncrana in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday afternoon. The home side lead by 0-6 to 0-2 at half-time and a second half goal from Ronan Drummond in the second half helped ensure that Ballyshannon had a cushion on the visitors from Inishowen. There were good defensive showings from Colm Kelly and Eamonn McGrath, with Ronan and David McGurrin and Conor Patton also going well for the homesters. We have team sheets, scorers and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

The Aodh Ruadh reserves opened their 2014 campaign with a comfortable win over Buncrana on a fine spring afternoon. Despite what the score line might suggest, it was Buncrana who started the brighter, opening with the first two points of the game. The homesters reeled the Inishowen back in by half time though and went in leading at the break 1-7 to 1-4. Aodh Ruadh proceeded to pile on the scores after the break while Buncrana could only add 1-2, a goal and a point of that coming late in the game. Best for the home team were Daniel Kelly, who had a string of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay. At the back Jason McMenamin was solid, whilst the energy of Finan, Matthews and Finnerty over ran the opposition through the centre. The Buncrana keeper was also kept busy, doing well to keep the home team to a score of just two goals. The only sour note for Ballyshannon was a recurrence of a shoulder injury to Aiden Murray, who had started putting his mark on the midfield before having to go off early in the second half. We wish Aiden a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back in the team soon. We have an extended match report and pictures up on aodhruadh.org.

The next outing for Aodh Ruadh's seniors and reserves is scheduled to be a trip to Naomh Columba on Saturday 5th April.

Aodh Ruadh's minors clash with Bundoran now takes place this Wednesday, 26th March in Gaelic Park. Throw in is at 5pm.

On Saturday afternoon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh the under 14s gave what can only be described as a show of exhibition football in their game against a very strong Killybegs team. They were huge underdogs going into the game but made the perfect start with a beautiful point coming from the boot of Michael McKenna straight from the throw-in. Evan McTernan soon followed up with another point and had a third on the score sheet before Killybegs managed to open their account. Most of the play was in the Killybegs half of the field for the first 30 minutes of the game with Caolán Dolan, Owen Doherty, Adam Clarke and Michael McKenna playing out of their skins up front. With a combination of great support play and precision passing the Aodh Ruadh lads had a two point lead at the break.
The second half started with a Killybegs goal, but this did not dampen the spirit of the Ballyshannon men. Pauric Keenaghan, as usual gave a great performance at centre half back along with Tiarnan Dolan, Senan Rooney and Aaron Peach were flawless in defence. Despite the best efforts of the Ernesiders, Killybegs had luck on their side and scored two more goals in the second half and did enough to see them coming out on top at the final whistle. The development game also went very well, with all of the Aodh Ruadh lads giving great performances. Some of the best in this game were Ciaran Hodgin's scoring two beautiful long range points, Donagh McGowan working hard on the wing and Joe Danagher had a good game at the back. We have a large gallery of images from the game up on aodhruadh.org. The next outing for the lads is away to Naomh Conaill possibly on Friday evening. Details are yet to be finalised, but the team will be notified of arrangements in due course.

Under 12 training outdoor training commences this Saturday 29th March, running from 11am to 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday's Field). As of Wednesday 2nd April there will also be training on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Under 10 training moves outdoors this Saturday 29th March, running from 11am to 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday's Field). On Sunday the under 10s will be playing the half time game during the Donegal v Louth National League match in Father Tierney Park. Arrangements will be supplied to players at training this Saturday.

Indoor training for the under 6s and under 8s concludes this Friday 28st March. Training at the usual times in the Mercy Hall for both groups. Details of outdoor training times will be supplied this Friday.

Hurling
Donegal minors suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Down in the Ulster Minor Hurling League in O' Donnell Park, Letterkenny on Saturday last, Donegal began well and were actually leading by a point after 27 minutes. In the space of a minute the whole game changed as Down struck for two goals from which Donegal never recovered and the Mourne men ran out easy winners 5-14 to 1-7. Division one hurling is a big step up for Donegal, the standard should bring them on as hurlers and hopefully they will put in a better performance this Saturday against Antrim in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny. Eddie Lynch, Ciaran Rami and Oisín Rooney started for Donegal, while Brendan Gillespie and Oisín Roper came on mid way through the second half.

Well done to our under 10s who took part in an indoor blitz in Fintona on Saturday. They had a great day's hurling winning all their games against Fintona, Cappagh and St Enda's. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to the blitz and thanks to manager Denis Daly who arranged for the boys to take part in this event.

The hurling leagues swing into action this Thursday as the under 14s and minors begin their campaigns, the under 14s are at home to Saint Eunan's while the minors are away to MacCumhaill's. Throw in for both games is 6pm. We wish both squads well.

The under 10s and under 12s are taking part in an exhibition game this Sunday at half time in the Donegal v Louth National League game in Father Tierney Park, managers will be in contact with their squads during the week details.

Numbers are continuing to grow each Sunday for the underage training which is great to see. It continues as normal this Sunday at 12 noon.

The eighth annual Hurl-A-Thon takes place on Saturday 5th April in the Mercy Hall, begining at 10am and continuing nonstop till 10pm, please support the lads as they are out and about seeking sponsorship for the promotion and development of underage hurling in the club.

Ladies
Training for under 8s, 10s and 12s begins on Monday 31st March at 6pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday's Field). Please dress for the weather on the day. Training continues for under 14s, under 16s, minors and seniors with good numbers attending. The times are as follows: Under 14s on Friday at 6pm; Under 16s, minors and seniors on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. New members are always welcome. Registration has to be completed this week so please check elsewhere in the notes for details of registration times. The Annual Duck Race will be held on Saturday 19th April so please make sure to get your sponsorship card from your team manager.

The under 14s will have their first match of the season this Sunday 29th March at 12pm on the pitch at Coláiste Cholmcille. Our girls will play Naomh Conaill and are asked to meet at the Mercy Hall at 11.30am bringing club colours and mouth guards. Congratulations to Dearbhla O'Moore, Briana Maher and Mary Flora Scott who were selected for the county under 14 panel at the weekend.

Thanks to the 36 people who have so far done their slot selling the Lotto this year for the Ladies. If you haven't done your slot please give your name to your team manager or to Eoin O'Moore who has organised the rota.

The FUNdamentals Coaching Course in Glenfin this Saturday is full up. If enough people are interested in doing this course we may be able to hold one in Ballyshannon. We can only do this if you give your name to any committee member. Our County Development Officer, Donal Sharkey will then help us to arrange it. If you are 16 years or older you are eligible to apply.

Donegal v Louth
The Park / Development Committee Officers have been working hard for several weeks now to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place. A full turn-out of Aodh Ruadh stewards, programme sellers and half-time draw sellers is required. The throw-in is at 3pm and all helpers must be at the grounds two hours beforehand, that is no later than 1pm. Bibs will be distributed and must be worn at all times. A 32-page souvenir match programme will be on sale.

Tournament and blitzes
Please forward suggested dates to Peter Conlon urgently. We will be trying to avoid clashes with multiple home fixtures - every second weekend our 2 adult football teams will be at home. The senior hurlers also have a number of home fixtures in the Ulster Senior Hurling League. Dates can only be confirmed when the proposals are reviewed against already committed fixtures so committee officers and managers need to deal promptly with this.

Father Tierney Park Development
The 60th Anniversary Project at Father Tierney Park, continues apace. The ground was officially opened in 1954. It will be late in the year when all of the work is completed but the first phase finishes this week in order to prepare for the Donegal v Louth National Football League game.

All-Ireland Colleges Game
Thanks to those who came to the Father Tierney Park on Saturday last to help with organising the Ulster Second Level Schools Provincial play-off between Carrick Vocational School, the Vocational Schools champions, and Saint Eunan's College, Letterkenny, the Ulster Colleges champions. Saint Eunan's College won and now go on to represent Ulster in the All-Ireland semi-final level.

Schools Coaching Initiative
Our four coaches are doing a very good job with a good reaction so far from the six Primary schools in the area, especially from the children. The scheme will complete its first month of operation this week and will be reviewed to see if it can be improved. Any comments can go directly to Tom Daly or to John Rooney (Hurling) or Shane Toolan (Football). The objective is that every Primary School child in the six Primary schools in the club area gets the opportunity to be coached in football and hurling, for both boys and girls and in all age groups/classes. New coaching gear has been distributed to the club coaches this week and the proceeds of the half-time draw on Sunday will go towards funding same.

Recreational Football
Recreational football continues this Saturday at 7pm under the lights at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and once again the emphasis is very much on the craic. It's excellent value at just €5 for the session. Text or call Alan on 0868052816 if you need any further information.

Aodh Ruadh Bingo
The €400 jackpot at last Friday's bingo was won by Noel Cunningham of Ballyshannon. This Friday it's our monthly Monster Bingo in the Abbey Centre with a €2,700 prize fund and a big jackpot of €1,000 up for grabs - Full books €15, Half books €8.